Easy Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe – Fried Salmon Patties Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting, crispy, and downright delicious seafood treat, this Easy Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe – Fried Salmon Patties Recipe is about to become your go-to! These golden patties bring together simple pantry staples and vibrant fresh ingredients, delivering a perfect balance of flaky salmon, tender veggies, and a crispy crust. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Southern-style croquettes make every meal feel a little more special and a lot more satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to building the bold flavor and perfect texture that make these salmon croquettes so irresistible. Each one plays a key role, from the flaky canned salmon to the fresh cilantro adding a splash of color and brightness.
- ½ cup flour: Acts as a binding base to hold the patties together perfectly.
- ¼ cup yellow cornmeal: Adds a subtle crunch and a hint of sweetness to the crust.
- 15 ounces canned salmon (drained and flaked): The star of the show, providing tender, flavorful fish with minimal effort.
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped: Brings a pop of color and mild sweetness that complements the salmon beautifully.
- ½ cup sweet onion, diced: Adds an aromatic depth and a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 large egg, beaten: The secret glue that binds the mixture into perfect patties.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Infuses a slight tang and umami richness.
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick of warmth.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Brings savory complexity that complements the fish.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: Keeps the croquettes moist and tender with a creamy touch.
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped: Fresh and fragrant, giving the croquettes a garden-fresh brightness.
- Olive oil for frying: Needed to create that irresistibly crispy golden crust.
How to Make Easy Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe – Fried Salmon Patties Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by combining the flour and yellow cornmeal in a generous-sized bowl. These two ingredients are the foundation, creating a texture that holds all your flavors together while crisping up just right in the hot oil.
Step 2: Add the Salmon and Veggies
Next, add the drained and flaked canned salmon along with the finely chopped red bell pepper and diced sweet onion. These fresh additions add incredible texture and color that make every bite exciting and delicious.
Step 3: Incorporate the Binder and Seasonings
Pour in the beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Then, mix in the mayonnaise and freshly chopped cilantro. Stir everything together until a dough-like mixture forms—this ensures your croquettes hold their shape while frying.
Step 4: Shape into Patties
Once your mixture is well combined, shape it into small patties about 2 inches wide. The recipe makes about 8 to 10 patties depending on size, perfect for sharing or saving some for later.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden Brown
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the salmon patties and fry them for roughly 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a crispy, golden crust that seals in the tender salmon center.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Remove the croquettes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve them warm, ideally with your favorite dipping sauce or a simple squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness.
How to Serve Easy Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe – Fried Salmon Patties Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can turn your salmon croquettes from delicious to downright show-stopping. Try a dollop of creamy tartar sauce, a drizzle of spicy aioli, or even a handful of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or extra cilantro to brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these croquettes with classic Southern sides like coleslaw, baked macaroni and cheese, or buttery cornbread. A fresh green salad with vinaigrette also works beautifully, providing a crisp counterpoint to the rich croquettes.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Serve the croquettes on slider buns with lettuce and pickles for mini sandwiches, or crumble them over a salad for a protein-packed topping. They also make fantastic seafood tacos when wrapped in warm tortillas with slaw and a squeeze of lime.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover salmon croquettes, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 3 days and make for a quick lunch or dinner on busy days.
Freezing
These croquettes freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months, ready to be fried or baked straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the croquettes in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that satisfying crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh cooked salmon works well, but using canned salmon keeps this recipe quick and fuss-free. Just be sure to flake the salmon finely and drain any excess moisture before mixing.
What can I use if I don’t have cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your favorite, try parsley or green onion for a fresh herb alternative. Each adds its own unique flavor that complements the croquettes nicely.
Can I bake instead of fry these salmon croquettes?
Yes, baking is a great healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and firm.
Are these croquettes gluten-free?
Not as written, since they contain flour and cornmeal. However, you can substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free cornmeal to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
How do I prevent the croquettes from falling apart while frying?
Make sure your mixture holds together like a thick dough before shaping. Adding enough egg and mayonnaise helps bind everything, and frying over medium heat allows the crust to set slowly, so the croquettes don’t break apart.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so warmly satisfying about crunching into a perfectly fried salmon croquette, especially when made with love and straightforward ingredients like in this Easy Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe – Fried Salmon Patties Recipe. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare, wonderful to share, and a guaranteed way to make any mealtime a little brighter. I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as I do!
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Easy Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe – Fried Salmon Patties Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This EASY Southern Salmon Croquettes recipe features crispy, golden fried salmon patties made with canned salmon, fresh vegetables, and a blend of flavorful seasonings. Ready in just 20 minutes, these croquettes are perfect for a quick and delicious Southern-inspired meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Main Ingredients
- 15 ounces canned salmon (drained and flaked)
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- ½ cup sweet onion, diced
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and yellow cornmeal to create the base for the croquettes.
- Add Wet and Flavor Ingredients: Add the drained and flaked canned salmon, finely chopped red bell pepper, diced sweet onion, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, mayonnaise, and chopped cilantro to the bowl. Stir thoroughly until a dough-like mixture forms.
- Shape Patties: Form the mixture into small patties approximately 2 inches wide. This should yield about 8-10 croquettes depending on size.
- Heat Oil: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot and shimmering, ready for frying.
- Fry Croquettes: Carefully place the salmon patties in the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they become golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the croquettes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Serve hot with tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh salmon if preferred, but canned salmon offers convenience and rich flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; you might want to add a little cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Serve with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Use a non-stick skillet to reduce the amount of olive oil needed for frying.
- Leftover croquettes can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet or oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
